Posted on

Embracing The South West: Exploring Houses To Buy In Plymouth

Are you considering houses to buy in Plymouth this year?

After the past few years, we’ve seen a staggering number of UK residents making a move to the South West. Maybe it’s our green space, beautiful coastlines, or friendly locals. We think it’s all three!

But what are the key factors driving these 2022 property trends? In this article, we’re delving into the results of Barclays Mortgages recent findings and why so many residents are kissing city life goodbye. 

Scroll down to read more about moving to the South West and houses to buy in Plymouth and the surrounding areas. 

Results From The Barclay Mortgages Study

Post-lockdown trends are showing that properties with gardens and proximity to outdoor spaces are increasingly attractive to UK buyers. This is excellent news for sellers in the South West, as those from the cities are looking for a change of pace and attractive landscapes. 

The Barclays Mortgages study showed that nearly two out of five subjects (39% of the study) stated a large garden was why they wanted to move. 

While large outdoor spaces were a key pull factor away from large cities, other reasons to move included:

  • Living closer to essential services (29%)
  • Living in an area with space for exercise (24%)
  • Moving closer to relatives (23%)
  • Living in areas with a stronger community (23%)

Though it’s a while since we’ve seen a lockdown, the effects of the 2020 pandemic are still evident in our moving preferences. 

Where Are Movers Coming From?

But, who are the residents choosing to ditch city life?

The study found that residents in Birmingham and London were most likely to move away to the South West. Other areas with eyes for new surroundings include Manchester and Nottingham. 

As jobs continue to offer flexible working and work-from-home roles, we expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future. Why sit at home in the city when you can enjoy the fresh South West air?

Why The South West & Plymouth?

The South West and Plymouth were among the top picks in the study, but why are houses to buy in Plymouth so popular? 

While there’s a significant push for rural life, it’s not easy to go straight from busy city life to peace and quiet. Plymouth and the surrounding areas offer a perfect mix of the two. You can spend an exciting evening in Plymouth City centre and then retreat to your quiet home for a good night’s sleep.

Also, families tend to be drawn to the surrounding areas thanks to the range of Ofsted Excellent education options. Plus, Plymouth boasts a range of weekend activities for kids, and some you won’t find in cities! 

Other Popular Areas

The South West wasn’t the only desirable area in the Barclays Mortgages study. Movers also had their eyes on other areas.

The other popular areas in 2022 include:

  • Wales
  • Scotland
  • North East
  • South East
  • Yorkshire

A common theme in answers showed that 26% of those asked expressed a desire to live by the sea. Another 23% just wanted to be in a more rural area for a higher quality of life. 

The Takeaway

Will you be making an urban escape this year? Houses to buy in Plymouth are varied and cater to all needs. Whether you’re looking for a family home or a city-centre flat, there are options for all buyers. 

Ready to start? Allow the Pilkington Estates to help. With years of experience in the area and expert knowledge, we’re here to assist you through every step of the move.

Get in touch with us online here.Â